Parlier, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, a suspected DUI collision resulted in the death of Juliani Moreno, 15, of Parlier, and the arrest of Tiffany Mercado, 35, according to KSEE/KGPE.
The Parlier Police Department reports that the accident took place around 5:45 PM at the intersection of Parlier Avenue and Mendocino Avenue.
Authorities said officers responded to the intersection and arrived to find Moreno dead at the scene. Information gathered during the initial investigation led officers to believe that Mercado was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the collision. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including Parlier Police, Selma Police, and CAL FIRE.
Mercado was taken into custody the following morning and booked into the Fresno County Jail. She faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, inflicting great bodily injury during the commission of a felony, felony driving under the influence, and gross vehicular manslaughter.
The collision marks at least the second time a student has been struck and killed by a vehicle in the city since 2023, raising renewed concern about pedestrian safety in the area. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, which includes being vigilant for those travelling by foot and, if a collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
